Things that Caught my attention at Paterson's City Council meeting 7/27/10

 English On Wednesdays,  Español los Jueves. 

Disclaimer:  I am not a journalist and therefore cannot say that my thoughts on the City Council is worthy of the Herald News or something along those lines.   However, I am interested in Paterson and am invested in seeing it thrive as we all know it can.   However, the reality is not everyone in Paterson is on the same page, especially when it comes to what the City Council is doing.  Therefore, this is my attempt to begin covering the Meetings in hopes that people would start taking more about whats going on with the Council.  Also, for those who attend the meetings and have access to the Internet, they too can participate and even add, comment or correct anything that I say.   I will do these views number style, in other words, I will take each topic that I thought was interesting to note and write about it.  Feel free to use the number and comment so that readers know which topic you are referring to.  Hope you enjoy!

1-Councilman Rigo Rodriguez presented a plaque with a resolution to recogize the service of Dominic Dinardo who past away last year.  The plaque was recieved by his wife.  Can anyone provide the name of his wife and who was Dominic Dinardo.  I know he was chairman of the Municipal Utilities Board but I dont know much else about him.   Sorry, call me one of those disconnected Patersonians, I simply never heard of him =(.

2. Mu Sigma Upsilon, a National Multicultural Society recieved a certificate of appreciation from Councilman Julio Tavarez for their service during Operation Clean up in the 5th Ward some time ago.  One of the distinguished ladies was from Paterson.  I didnt catch her name but High five to them anyway.

3. The Great Falls Youth Corp announced the City Wide Clean-Up being conducted on Saturday, August 7t, 2010, 2010 from 10am-1pm. They will be meeting at the Overlook of the Great Falls Alexander Hamilton Statue.  Come out, support the youth AND show some love to our Great Falls, the beacon of Paterson's Prosperity!

4.  One citizen expressed his frustration over the all the different parades that are hosted in the city.  He noted that for each parade, the city had to pay for extra police, clean up, overtime and block streets which make it difficult for some folks to get around the town.  He suggested that the city consolidate parades with a Hispanic Parade, West Indian Parade, European Festival like NYC does it.   However, COuncilman Tavarez corrected him by letting him know that NYC does not consolidate as there is a HIspanic Parade but also a Dominican, PuertoRican, Peruvian parades.  This caused a humorous response from Council President Goow who did not want back and forth dialogue during the Public Portion.  You had to be there to see why it was humorous =D

5. A resident complained about an issue in his area that was not addressed by the City. He had come in the past but there was still no resolution.  Council president Goow Promised that if he were to use the Committee Concern Report form that is available to citizens to fill out their complaint so it can be address to the appropriate committee.  He said that since it was drafted, all the complaints were address and/or people were called back.   I believe him, but I think he forgot to get back to one person, because I am still waiting for the response to my issue about the Youth Guidance Commission not being addressed for over a year since 10 youth ambassador positions were added. (long story).   SIGH, something for me to follow up on.  Either way, below is the picture of the form Council President Goow was referring to. You can get it during the City Council meeting or stopping by the City Council office. I think an electronic copy should be made available of this.......but noone has said anything about it in the last couple weeks.

6. Dr. Johnathan Hodges of the School Board of Education expressed that the state will keep all school construction projects under review until after mid. October which includes School 17, 24, International High School, the school thats planned for Marshall Street and Hazel Avenue.  I dont know much more about this, can anyone elaborate?

7. Next Tuesday, August 3rd is National Night Out...Night.  In Paterson and Throughout the COuntry, people are taking back their streets and going to enjoy a nice night out on the block.  Contact the City Clerks office for information on locations.   I personally forgot about this event but I will probably stop by a local block party than come back home and grill some hot dogs on my porch have a couple beers, should be fun. (my landlady's porch, because I dont own a home =(.   

8. The Jamaica Organization of New Jersey invites you to its Annual Flag Raising Ceremony at Paterson City Hall on Monday, August 2, 2010 at 5pm with Special Guests: Mayor Jeff Jones, members of the Paterson City Council, Mrs. Genieve Brown Metzger Consulate General of Jamaica, New York.  Music by Taurus and Rewind Radio 90.9FM.  Ill probably make an appearance, will you?

Thats it for today. I left by 9pm when they started doing first readings on various ordinances.  Hope this helps keep you more aware about the Council.   Whenever they talk money, it is harder for me to capture as I am not to financially savvy.  Ill do better next time.